Garment with retractable cuff system

ABSTRACT

An elongated, tubular, flexible garment is described which has sleeves with open ends and a centrally located, longitudinal opening. The garment is adapted to fit over the arms and across the shoulders of a person. Embodiments of the inventive technology may include inner and outer cuffs (e.g., retractable cuffs, such as retractable outer cuffs); such cuffs (particularly the outer cuffs) may be secured in retracted or extended positions using fasteners. If desired, the garment may include an elastic back portion. The garment may keep a person&#39;s arms warm without restricting movement of the arms in any way and without providing an unnecessary and undesired warming of the wearer&#39;s torso region. The garment is useful in various sporting activities (e.g., golfing, skiing, exercising, etc.) or working activity where free arm movement is required.

This is a United States non-provisional patent application claimingpriority to U.S. provisional application 60/840,356, filed Aug. 25,2006, said provisional application hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Embodiments of the inventive technology relate to wearing apparel which,among having other uses, may find particular application for sports orworking activity. Preferred embodiments of the inventive technology mayrelate to apparel for a person's arms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The human body is so structured and biomedically programmed that, whenthe temperature of the body starts to fall, more blood will be pumped tothe vital organs in the torso, and to the brain, to keep the lifesupport system running within an acceptable temperature range. Bloodsupply to the limbs will be constricted, and the sensation of ‘beingcold’ will be often be first felt in feet, arms and legs, though notnecessarily in that order. A natural response is then to don a coat withsleeves, gloves, heavier socks, or overpants to stay warmer. But in manycases, coats with sleeves have the effect of both restricting movementand overheating the torso area, causing it to perspire. The garmenttechnology described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,304 includes sleeves butlacks a torso section. As such, it is able to insulate those areas thatmay be in particular need of such insulation and the warmth itgenerates—the upper extremities—without insulating the torso, which maynot be in need of such insulation.

Various types of wearing apparel, other than conventional coats andvests, are described, for example, in the patents cited in theinformation disclosure statement filed with this application. However,none of such prior patents—including U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,304, herebyincorporated herein in its entirety—address the problems solved byembodiments of the garment of the present inventive technology. Inparticular, none provide a garment that is designed only to fit over thearms and across the shoulders, but not over the torso, while alsoaffording features such as inner and outer cuffs, cuff retractability,overall garment “stretchability” (e.g., at the garment back), and/orgarment separability.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIVE TECHNOLOGY

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present inventivetechnology there is provided a flexible garment having sleeves, eachwith an open ends and a centrally located opening between the sleeves(when the garment is worn). This garment may be adapted to fit over thearms and across the shoulders of a person wearing it and, in variousembodiments, may include an inner cuff at each of the two open ends andan outer cuff at each such end and/or at least one fastener enablingseparation of the garment (e.g., into two or three parts). The garmentmay find particularly suitable application while worn in conjunctionwith a vest.

Embodiments of the garment of the inventive technology may be especiallyuseful and desirable for persons involved in various sporting or workingactivities who wish to keep their arms warm without restricting themobility thereof (as may be required in sport or work activities). Thus,the garment of the inventive technology may be very beneficial forpersons engaged in skiing, golfing, mountaineering, etc.

Other advantages will be apparent from the detailed description providedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventive technology is described in more detail hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencecharacters refer to the same parts throughout the several views and inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive garment technology.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and rear views of a person wearing anembodiment of the inventive garment technology.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the inventive garment with a neck band.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the inventive garment with a hood.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an embodiment of the inventive technologyhaving a separable elastic back portion.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the inventive technologyhaving a separable elastic back portion.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a one-piece embodiment of the inventivetechnology having an elastic back portion.

FIG. 8 shows a rear view of a one-piece embodiment of the inventivetechnology having a elastic back portion.

FIG. 9 shows a view of an embodiment of the inventive technology with aremovable bib and standard cuffs (particularly suited for welding).

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the inventive technologyof FIG. 9 (bib not shown in this view).

FIG. 11 shows a part of an embodiment of the garment with a closer viewof a inner and outer cuffs (extended configuration; unfastened) and acuff fastener.

FIG. 12 shows a part of an embodiment of the garment with a closer viewof inner and outer cuffs (retracted configuration; unfastened) and acuff fastener.

FIG. 13 shows a part of an embodiment of the garment with a closer viewof inner and outer cuffs (retracted configuration; partially fastened)and a cuff fastener.

FIG. 14 shows a part of an embodiment of the garment with a closer viewof inner and outer cuffs (retracted configuration; fastened).

FIG. 15 shows a part of an embodiment of the garment with a closer viewof the outer cuff fastened in extended configuration and forming anoverlap around a glove.

FIG. 16 shows a part of an embodiment of the garment with a closer viewof the outer cuff fastened in retracted configuration and a gloveforming an overlap around the inner cuff.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE TECHNOLOGY

As mentioned earlier, the present invention includes a variety ofaspects, which may be combined in different ways. The followingdescriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of theembodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed withinitial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may becombined in any manner and in any number to create additionalembodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodimentsshould not be construed to limit the present invention to only theexplicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further,this description should be understood to support and encompassdescriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems,techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of thedisclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and allvarious permutations and combinations of all elements in this or anysubsequent application.

At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be a garment 1that includes two sleeves 3 having two open ends 4 and a centrallylocated opening 5 between the sleeves, an inner cuff 6 at each of thetwo open ends, and an outer cuff 7 at each of the two open ends, wherethe garment is adapted to fit over the arms and across the shoulders butnot over the torso 8 of a person wearing the garment. The garment'scentrally located opening (centrally located when the garment is worn)may be a centrally located, longitudinal opening in that it may have alength that is at least three times its width.

The garment may be separable into two or three parts via at least onefastener 10 (including but not limited to Velcro®, other hook and loopfasteners, snap closures, buttons, fastening clasps, adjustable strapsand strap buckles, etc.) located substantially adjacent the centrallylocated opening. Indeed, any fastener—whether as a cuff fastener orother type of fastener—that finds use in embodiments of the inventivetechnology may be any of such aforementioned specific types of fastener.The tubular garment is intended to be worn over the arms and across theshoulders of the wearer to keep the arms warm without restricting freemovement of the arms for sporting activities (e.g., skiing, golfing,tennis, etc) or for working activities or for exercising.

As shown in the figures, the garment may include sleeves and inner 6 andouter 7 cuffs at the open ends nearest to the hands. Although indeedboth the inner and outer cuffs may be reconfigurable between extendedand retracted positions, preferred embodiments envision only the outercuff as reconfigurable in such fashion. Each of the outer cuffs may beretractable from an extended configuration 12 to a retractedconfiguration 13; each such cuff may include at least part of a cufffastener 15 usable to secure a respective outer cuff in retractedconfiguration (see, e.g., FIG. 16) and/or usable to secure therespective outer cuff in the extended configuration see, e.g., FIG. 15).In some embodiments, the remaining part of the cuff fastener will belocated on the outer part of a sleeve of the garment, perhaps in an areaof the garment corresponding to the mid or upper forearm of the wearer.However, as shown in FIG. 11, e.g., typically the entire fastener (e.g.,the hook portion and the corresponding loop portion) will be on a cuffand usable to secure a cuff in an extended and a retractedconfiguration. It is of note that a cuff that is sufficiently elastic toallow reconfiguration from an extended to a retracted configuration andthat is securable in such retracted configuration through action of suchelastic is deemed to include a cuff fastener.

Again, in certain embodiments, each outer cuff can be retracted (e.g.,be folded back onto the forearm). Cuff retractability may enhance wearercomfort, warmth and freedom of motion, inter alia; cuff retractabilitymay be particularly convenient when a wearer of the garment is engagedin manual work (e.g., with hands, and in tight places). When extended(and perhaps secured in such extended configuration using a cufffastener), the outer cuff may provide an overlap; perhaps the outer cuffmay overlap a glove whose open end itself provides an additional overlapover the inner cuff (see, e.g., FIGS. 15 and 16). Again, any overlapprovided by the outer cuff may be maintained with a cuff fastener ofsome sort.

In certain embodiments, a garment may include two sleeves, each havingan open end, a centrally located opening between the sleeves; and anelastic back portion 20 between the sleeves and substantially oppositethe centrally located opening, where the garment is adapted to fit overthe arms and across the shoulders but not over the torso of a personwearing it. As mentioned, the garment may further include at least onefastener 10 enabling separation of the garment into parts (e.g., two orthree parts), where the garment is adapted to fit over the arms andacross the shoulders but not over the torso of a person. In somedesigns, the least at one fastener is located substantially adjacent thecentrally located opening. In some designs (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6),the elastic back portion is separable from the sleeves at the at twofasteners. Certain wearers may particularly appreciate those designswhere the elastic back portion is separable into at least two parts viathe at least one fastener 10.

The tubular garment may be made in various sizes in order to accommodatepersons of varying size and age. Generally speaking, the length of thegarment may vary from about 30 to about 90 inches. The diameter may alsovary, for example, from about 3 to about 12 inches, if desired. Thediameter may be uniform along the length of the garment or it may besmaller at the ends and larger in the middle, if desired. The centralopening is typically sufficiently large to accommodate the width of thewearer's body. Generally speaking, the central opening has a length inthe range of about 12 to 30 inches to accommodate persons of differentsizes.

Particular embodiments may further include a flexible hood 25 adjacentthe centrally located opening and/or a neck band 26 adjacent thecentrally located opening and adapted to encircle the neck of theperson. If desired, the neck band may be openable, where ends thereofare connectable together by means of a fastener.

The garment may be made of various materials or combinations ofmaterials. For example, it may be made of wool, cotton, leather, denim,synthetics (polyester, rayon, taslon, nylon, acrylic, nylon taffeta,ripstop, polyurethane, Gore-tex™, leather, bio-steel or Kevlar forballistic resistance capabilities, thinsulate, polyester, as but a fewexamples). In some designs it may be knitted or woven. It may alsoinclude thermal insulation (down, synthetic insulating material,thinsulate or polyester, foam, as but a few examples), if desired. Cuffsmay be made from an elastic material.

The arm portions of the garment may be made of one material and any backportion (which connects the two sleeves at the back) may be composed ofan entirely different material (e.g., spandex or other elasticmaterial), if desired. Such design may afford the benefit of preventingunwanted dislodging of overlaps provided by outer cuffs in extendedconfiguration over glove portions; such dislodging might otherwise occurwhen the wearer puts his or her arms into certain positions (e.g.,crossing of arms in front of the chest). As can be appreciated, when awearer puts arms into such certain positions an elastic back portion ofthe garment may “absorb” the tension that otherwise would be applied tocuffs, such force application on cuffs often sufficient to dislodge anydesirable overlap. Any elastic back portion may be small in width (e.g.,¼″, as but one example), or, as in preferred embodiments, it may belarger (e.g., in some larger sized garments, 22″). It is of note thatthe elastic back portion may be an elastic fastener (e.g., adjustableelastic strap(s) and associated buckle(s)).

As mentioned, the garment—whether it has an elastic back portion ornot—may be separable into two or three parts via at least one fastenerlocated substantially adjacent the centrally located opening (e.g.,located at the back of the garment). Such fastener(s) may provide anability to custom fit the garment. Where there is an elastic backportion, there may be (but not need be) a fastener(s)—where there is onefastener, it may be located on either side of the elastic back portionor between parts thereof (e.g., in the middle of the elastic backportion); where there are two fasteners, they typically will be locatedon either side of the back portion and act to connect the separable backportion to both sleeves.

Other variants are possible without departing from the scope of thepresent inventive technology. For example, the garment may be worn as ascarf or a muffler by wrapping it around the neck of the wearer.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involvesboth garment design techniques as well as devices to accomplish theappropriate design. In this application, the garment techniques aredisclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the variousdevices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. Theyare simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended anddescribed. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should beunderstood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also canbe varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing,all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by thisdisclosure.

The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as abasic description. The reader should be aware that the specificdiscussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; manyalternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the genericnature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature orelement can actually be representative of a broader function or of agreat variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these areimplicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is describedin device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitlyperforms a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for thedevice described, but also method or process claims may be included toaddress the functions the invention and each element performs. Neitherthe description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope ofthe claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes arealso implicitly included in the description. They still fall within thescope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both theexplicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternativeembodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like areencompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting theclaims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understoodthat such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may beaccomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or inthe event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on thisfiling. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that thisdisclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patentapplication that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims asdeemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield apatent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently andas an overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims mayalso be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used orimplied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual aswell as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected.This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation,be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a methodor process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element ofthese. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosurerelates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may beexpressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only thefunction or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even moregeneric terms should be considered to be encompassed in the descriptionof each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desiredto make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventionis entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that allactions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as anelement which causes that action. Similarly, each physical elementdisclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the actionwhich that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, asbut one example, the disclosure of a “fastener” should be understood toencompass disclosure of the act of “fastening”—whether explicitlydiscussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure ofthe act of “fastening”, such a disclosure should be understood toencompass disclosure of a “fastener” and even a “means for fastening”Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitlyincluded in the description.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in thisapplication for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Anypriority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended andhereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used itshould be understood that unless its utilization in this application isinconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionarydefinitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and alldefinitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in theRandom House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are herebyincorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the list ofReferences To Be Incorporated By Reference In Accordance With TheProvisional Patent Application or other information statement filed withthe application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated byreference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that suchinformation or statements incorporated by reference might be consideredinconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) suchstatements are expressly not to be considered as made by theapplicant(s).

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim andmake a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the garments asherein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed anddescribed, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations ofeach of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described,v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of thefunctions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosedand described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separateand independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by thevarious systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting productsproduced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, andelement shown or described as now applied to any specific field ordevices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi)the various combinations and permutations of each of the elementsdisclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as adependency on each and every one of the independent claims or conceptspresented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid greatexpansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any timepresent only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with onlyinitial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested inpotential scope of this or subsequent applications should understandthat broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in acase claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spiteof any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, orarguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there isno intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. Itshould be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, suchmay require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered atany prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that tothe extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented inthis or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid suchprior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims orthe like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested inexisting or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at anytime been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender ofpotential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimeris ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application.Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this orany subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understoodto exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but notlimited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United StatesPatent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of anyof the various dependencies or other elements presented under oneindependent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any otherindependent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whetherin this application or in any subsequent application, it should also beunderstood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broada scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent thatinsubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant didnot in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particularembodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant shouldnot be understood to have in any way intended to or actuallyrelinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have beenable to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should notbe reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literallyencompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division,or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefitof, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws,rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such contentincorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency ofthis application including any subsequent continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extensionthereon.

1. A garment comprising: two sleeves having two open ends, a centrallylocated opening between said sleeves; an inner cuff at each of said twoopen ends; an outer cuff at each of said two open ends; wherein saidgarment is adapted to fit over the arms and across the shoulders but notover the torso of a person wearing said garment.
 2. A garment asdescribed in claim 1 wherein said centrally located opening comprises acentrally located, longitudinal opening.
 3. A garment as described inclaim 1 wherein said garment has a length in the range of about 30 to 90inches and a diameter in the range of about 3 to 12 inches.
 4. A garmentas described in claim 1 wherein each said outer cuff is retractable froman extended configuration to a retracted configuration.
 5. A garment asdescribed in claim 4 wherein each said outer cuff includes at least partof a cuff fastener usable to secure a respective said outer cuff in saidretracted configuration.
 6. A garment as described in claim 5 whereineach said cuff fastener is also usable to secure said respective outercuff in said extended configuration.
 7. A garment as described in claim5 wherein said cuff fastener is Velcro®.
 8. A garment as described inclaim 1 further comprising a flexible hood adjacent said centrallylocated opening.
 9. A garment as described in claim 1 further comprisinga neck band adjacent said centrally located opening and adapted toencircle the neck of said person.
 10. A garment as described in claim 1wherein said garment is separable into two or three parts via at leastone fastener located substantially adjacent said centrally locatedopening.
 11. A garment as described in claim 10 wherein said at leastone fastener comprises Velcro®.
 12. A garment as described in claim 1further comprising an elastic back portion between said sleeves.
 13. Agarment comprising: two sleeves, each having an open end, a centrallylocated opening between said sleeves; and an elastic back portionbetween said sleeves and substantially opposite said centrally locatedopening, wherein said garment is adapted to fit over the arms and acrossthe shoulders but not over the torso of a person wearing said garment.14. A garment as described in claim 13 further comprising at least onefastener enabling separation of said garment into at least two parts 15.A garment as described in claim 14 wherein said at least one fastener islocated substantially adjacent said centrally located opening.
 16. Agarment as described in claim 14 wherein said at least one fastenercomprises Velcro®.
 17. A garment as described in claim 13 furthercomprising an inner cuff and an outer cuff at each of said two openends.
 18. A garment as described in claim 17 wherein each said outercuff is retractable from an extended configuration to a retractedconfiguration.
 19. A garment as described in claim 18 wherein each saidouter cuff includes at least part of a cuff fastener usable to secure arespective said outer cuff in said retracted configuration.
 20. Agarment as described in claim 19 wherein each said cuff fastener is alsousable to secure said respective outer cuff in said extendedconfiguration.
 21. A garment as described in claim 19 wherein said cufffastener is Velcro®.
 22. A garment as described in claim 13 wherein saidcentrally located opening comprises a centrally located, longitudinalopening.
 23. A garment as described in claim 13 wherein said garment hasa length in the range of about 30 to 90 inches and a diameter in therange of about 3 to 12 inches.
 24. A garment as described in claim 13further comprising a flexible hood adjacent said centrally locatedopening.
 25. A garment as described in claim 13 further comprising aneck band adjacent said centrally located opening and adapted toencircle the neck of said person.
 26. A garment as described in claim 13wherein said an elastic back portion comprises spandex.
 27. A garment asdescribed in claim 15 wherein said an elastic back portion is separablefrom said sleeves at said at least one fastener.
 28. A garment asdescribed in claim 15 wherein said an elastic back portion is separableinto at least two parts via said at least one fastener.